Page 53 of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
She feared she’d said too much when the men continued to stare at her as if she’d sprouted wings from her back and commenced hovering before them.
“I believe that’s a fair question, and one that is already being discussed as an action item for the coming session.”
With a start, Charlotte jerked her head about and met Finlay’s gaze. Where he’d come from she didn’t know, but her skin suddenly felt flushed. Her eyes greedily moved over his face before she turned away.
“I’ve heard talk that merchants in Liverpool have been organizing to push Jewish emancipation on their MPs.” Finlay pressed his lips together. “I think we can all agree that it would be unwise to alienate our merchant friends. Plus, I see no reason why Parliament would consider emancipating Catholics but not Jews.”
“You know the Catholic bill was passed only to thwart outright rebellion in Ireland.” Mr. Everhill crinkled his nose. “I don’t see the Tories discussing the topic of Jewish emancipation so soon after the last conflict.”
“I’m sure you’re right. You have much more experience working with them than I do.”
The older man puffed out his chest, and Charlotte worked hard to keep a smile at bay.
“Still,” Finlay began, linking his hands behind his waist, “the mercantile class is not without power. I suspect our Tory friends will not long get the reprieve they desire.”
Charlotte knew Finlay was only speaking practically about the issue, but she couldn’t stop the swell of pride she felt for him. It was only fair that her people finally be given the same rights and privileges as their fellow countrymen, and they would gain an ally in their fight if he were elected to Parliament.
The men talked for several minutes longer until one of them abruptly elbowed Finlay. “The Eddingtons have arrived. I suspect you’ll want to greet their daughter.”
Darting her gaze across the room, she glimpsed the pretty blonde dressed in a lovely pale pink gown as she was waylaid by several gentlemen. Charlotte’s throat felt tight, and she pivoted away. She had no cause to feel jealous of the young woman who had been kind to her when last they met.
She continued to tell herself such when Finlay chuckled and smacked the older man on the shoulder. “Yes, I better move quick before one of these swains turn her head.”
He offered his goodbyes, briefly meeting Charlotte’s eyes before he crossed to where Miss Eddington held court. The young woman beamed a bright smile as he bowed in greeting, and Charlotte was certain she’d crush her teeth to dust from clamping them together so tightly.
“Do forgive me for interrupting, gentlemen, but my sister has requested Mrs. Taylor’s assistance with a matter.”
She blinked to find Lord Inverray at her side. She mumbled farewell to the older gentlemen as the marquess looped her arm around his and escorted her from the room.
“How may I assist Lady Flora?” she asked numbly, still thinking of the way Finlay had greeted Miss Eddington.
“Flo is discussing some exhibition at the British Museum with Lady Temple.” Lord Inverray led her into the library. “She’s fine.”
“Oh.” Charlotte shook her head. “But I thought she needed—”
“It appearedyouneeded a moment to yourself,” the marquess interjected, his gaze gentle.
“It did?” she whispered, mortification stealing her breath.
“I doubt anyone else noticed.” His tone was conciliatory.
“But you did, and that’s enough.”
Lord Inverray looked at his feet for a long moment before meeting her gaze. “You know not to pin your hopes on him, correct?”
Charlotte lifted her chin. “I would never dream of doing anything so foolish.”
He studied her face. “Of course not. I apologize for even thinking it.”
With those words he left her, and Charlotte wondered when she’d become such a fine actress.
She slipped from the library several minutes later, her mask of composure back in place. Dread and deeper, more painful emotions lurked underneath, but she didn’t give herself time to consider them.
After checking with Mrs. Patterson to ensure everything was prepared for dinner, she entered the drawing room through a narrow side door the servants used. A tall potted plant obscured it from view, making it an unobtrusive way to map out where she should go to avoid Finlay.
A quick glance told her he presided over a small group not far from where she stood. Before she could sidestep them, she heard him say her name. “That would be Mrs. Taylor, Lady Flora’s companion.”
“She seems awfully youngandquite pretty to be a companion,” a red-haired woman said, her eyes shifting between Finlay and Miss Eddington, who stood beside him.
